It’s truly amazing how much of New Testament teaching isn’t entirely “new” at all, but an extension of the foundation first provided in the Old Testament. When we come across these verses, we immediately connect them with Paul’s teaching concerning the “armor of God” :”(Ephesians 6:10-18)”: But there are two things here listed that Jesus dresses in which are excluded from our own armor: “Vengeance” and “zeal”.

As I’ve stated previously, I’ve grown up with the false notion that God will use me like Joan of Arc. At some point I expect Him to speak to me directly, sending me headlong into battle to win it all for Him. But that’s not how it actually works. Jesus wins it all for Him. He wins it for me. He wins it for all of us. If we examine the passage in Ephesians carefully, we find that we’re called not to an offensive position but defensive, to hold our ground against the enemy rather than pursue and destroy him.

“Vengeance” and “zeal” are reserved exclusively for the Messiah. They’re not part of our battle inventory. It takes someone who has ALWAYS been righteous, who has NEVER strayed from God’s will and ways to undertake such things. And yet in our dealings with others we often seem to cross the line and take on these characteristics, even embracing the false notion that they’re somehow our “right” or “heritage” or belonging to our “place” in relationship to others. But it’s not ours at all.

God’s ways are not man’s ways. So it is with terms and notions that have an earthly meaning versus God’s. God’s warriors aren’t derived from the same mold as the earth’s. God Himself will win the battle while our job is to resist and stand firm._††_†

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